Verna Mae Burleigh Johnson

Opelousas- A Funeral Service will be held for Verna Mae Burleigh Johnson on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sibille Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas. Pastor Greg Gaspard will officiate the service. The burial will follow in Bellevue Memorial Park.

Verna, age 73, passed away on January 2, 2025, at Acadian Medical Center in Eunice, La.

Verna is survived by her husband of 41 years, David Michael Johnson of Lawtell; son, B.J. Johnson and his wife Ciji of Lawtell; daughters, Melissa Rodriguez and her husband Jay of Belle Chasse and Nicole Thibodeaux and her husband Brandon of Opelousas; sisters, Pat Soileau of Prairie Ronde, Flo Thibodeaux and her husband Wade, of Lawtell, and Josie Burleigh of Prairie Ronde; brother in-law, Mickey Olivier; sister in-laws, Jeanette Olivier, Veronica Olivier, and June LeBlanc; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.

Verna is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Burleigh and Madeline Stanford Burleigh; brother in-laws, Warren Johnson, Rogers Olivier, Pat Olivier, Larry Olivier and Dale Soileau; one grandchild; and one great grandchild.

Verna's devotion to her family was unrivaled, and she found immense joy in the laughter and warmth of her grandchildren. Every moment spent with them was a vibrant page in the tapestry of her life, rich with memories that will forever remain cherished by those who had the fortune to witness her boundless affection.

An ardent gardener, Verna found solace and satisfaction in yardwork, nurturing the flora around her with the same care she bestowed upon her loved ones. The garden became her sanctuary, a place where she cultivated beauty and tranquility, reflecting her radiant spirit.

Proudly, Verna belonged to the First Baptist Church in Lawtell, Louisiana and First Baptist Church in Sunset, Louisiana, where her faith anchored her life. There, she formed enduring bonds and participated actively in the church community, embodying the values of kindness and fellowship.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. in the Sibille Funeral Home chapel in Opelousas. A prayer service will be Friday at 6:00 p.m. in the Sibille Funeral Home chapel. Visitation will resume on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

As we gather to celebrate Verna Mae Burleigh Johnson's remarkable journey, we are reminded of her unwavering strength, her nurturing heart, and the cherished memories that will forever echo in our hearts. She graced this world with her presence, leaving behind an indelible legacy of love, faith, and unyielding spirit.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.